Family And Famous Friends Mourn Michael

Statements are starting to roll in from some of the biggest names in Hollywood about the tragic death of Michael Jackson. First, his family released the following statement, which was read by his brother Jermaine (video clip above):

“My brother, the legendary king of pop, Michael Jackson, passed away on Thursday, June 25, at 2.26 pm. It is believed he suffered cardiac arrest in his home. However, the cause of his death is unknown until the results of the autopsy are known. The personal physician who was with him at the time attempted to resuscitate my brother, as did paramedics who transported him to the hospital. Upon arriving at the hospital at approximately 1.14 pm, a team of doctors, including emergency physicians and cardiologists, attempted to resuscitate him for a period of one hour and they were unsuccessful. Our family requests that the media please respect our privacy during this tough time, and may Allah be with you Michael always. Love you.”

“I can’t stop crying over the sad news. I have always admired Michael Jackson. The world has lost one of the greats, but his music will live on forever! My heart goes out to his three children and other members of his family. God bless.”

Justin Timberlake weighs in:

“I can’t find the words right now to express how deeply saddened I am by Michael’s passing. We have lost a genius and a true ambassador of not only pop music, but of all music. He has been an inspiration to multiple generations, and I will always cherish the moments I shared with him onstage and all of the things I learned about music from him and the time we spent together. My heart goes out to his family and loved ones.”

Ex-wife Lisa Marie Presley:

“I am so very sad and confused with every emotion possible. I am heartbroken for his children, who I know were everything to him, and for his family. This is such a massive loss on so many levels, words fail me.”

Will.I.Am:

“I am so grateful to have worked with the King. He was a gift to the world. He is a bright light, and I wouldn’t be surprised if the world stopped spinning tomorrow.”

Brooke Shields:

“My heart is overcome with sadness for the devastating loss of my true friend Michael. He was an extraordinary friend, artist and contributor to the world. I join his family and his fans in celebrating his incredible life and mourning his untimely passing.”

“I come to you today with great sadness, acknowledging the loss of the greatest entertainer in the history of mankind. For me he was more than that, he was my idol, he was a role model, he was someone to cry to when my childhood was unbearable, he was a brother, he was a dear friend.”

And his dear friend Elizabeth Taylor is too heartbroken to comment. Her reps say:

“Dame Elizabeth Taylor is too devastated by the passing of her dear friend Michael Jackson to issue a statement at this time.”